The Mariners just announced that they have signed Hisashi Iwakuma to a minor league deal.

Iwakuma became a free agent earlier this month after the Mariners, not surprisingly, declined his $10 million option for 2018 after he made only six starts in 2017, posting a 4.35 ERA, 3.5 BB/9 and 4.6 SO/9 over 31 innings. That was primarily injury-related, however, as he went on the disabled list in May and never returned to action, undergoing arthroscopic debridement surgery in September.

Iwakuma, who turns 37 early next season, hopes to be recovered fully by spring training. Given the Mariners’ thin pitching staff, he stands at least a decent chance of making the team.